Lv06|ROCKETS-2| Officially Closed.

[homicide1550]

That was a tough, tough loss.. A real heartbreaker..

Anyways, Good Luck with the Hornets.. And the good thing is they have no CP3..

[Chaser7]

Wow, theres the CPUs comeback code.. that sucks.. Still a thrilling game I'm sure... Good luck against the CP3-less Bucks...

[Jemesouviens]

AAARGH!
Solid recap though.
Will you be posting the standings and the schedule for the upcoming games? Just wondering.

about the new signature...
Luring me with hockey candy, huh?

...- are you ready?

Say when and where

[L10]

What a game for Manu !!!! Tough loss anyway

[kibaxx7]

Top-notch I'm really liking the recaps.

[Clutch]

flare - yah we could definitely use the big guy back to full strength but it's giving the bench some quality burn so that's good;

homi - haha thx; not sure if CP3 is as potent ratings-wise as in the latest live rosters but we'll take Pargo as starter over Paul anyday!

chaser - comeback code rules! hah; i remember when "Keep Scores Close" was an option you could check (y/n). ahh good times...

JMS - thx gal, standings/schedule coming up as requested & hockey candy? maybe, but only if you've been good

sang - yah it actually became funny watching manu just torch joey graham; talk about having someone's #

thierry- thx man and btw, i browsed the Arsenal FC - looks great! actually want to read it from the start when i have time


appreciate the comments all; standings, last month of regulation schedule and maybe Hornets game recap coming within the next 24hrs...

[Clutch]

HOUSTON ROCKETS SCHEDULE - April 2008


POWER RANKINGS

EASTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS

WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS

[Clutch]

Sans CP3, Hornets Wingless In 4th

NEW ORLEANS March 30, 2008 (AP) -- Without floor leader Chris Paul to guide them, the New Orleans Hornets managed a tough, spirited contest yet were unable to arrest Houston's late 4th-quarter rally, losing to the visiting Rockets 91-98.

The Rockets seemed vulnerable early on, however, as they would lose star swingman, Tracy McGrady, midway through the 2nd-quarter after a hard foul across his previously injured arm by Hornets Guard, Desmond Mason. The impact left McGrady holding his wrist, momentarily doubled-over in pain then he walked off toward the locker room, done for the night.

The Hornets would dictate the tempo of the match through three quarters with Point Guard, Jannero Pargo, at the helm and 7'1" rookie Center, Roshown Lewis, taking advantage of Yao Ming, or rather Yao's noticeable absence in the paint. When he was on the floor, Yao looked good and was effective, yet his minutes were still limited by Head Coach, Phil Jackson.

"Yao was terrific tonight but is still playing with pain," said Jackson. "Until he's cleared by our medical staff, I'll make sure his minutes are reduced; I'd rather do that then risk re-aggravating his injury any further."

Ming only logged 21 minutes but played without the plastic face mask (which had protected his broken nose) for the first time since the injury occurred. He ended the night with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks and shot 7-10 from the field.

Meanwhile, his Hornets counterpart, Lewis, finished with 17 points, 2 blocks while collecting 13 rebounds. Coupled with the steady outside scoring of Peja Stojakovic and Michael Redd who combined for 33 points, the Hornets seemed poised to finish off the Rockets carrying a 4-point lead to start the 4th; Houston's role players, however, had other ideas about a New Orlean's after-party.

3rd-year swingman, Martell Webster, stepped up huge in McGrady's absence, tallying 19 points off 5-of-11 from the field and 8-of-10 from the charity stripe. Webster would also toss in 7 rebounds and an assist for good measure. Meanwhile, Shooting Guard, Joey Graham, would lead Houston's offense with 20 points and add 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks and a steal. The duo's solid performance helped anchor the Rockets' defense and ignite their offense, outscoring New Orleans 28-17 in the final period much to the dismay of a disgruntled home crowd.

The Rockets continue a tough 4-game road stretch, facing a potential 1st-round Playoff opponent in Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire and the Phoenix Suns.



INJURY STATUS

McGRADY, TRACY (HOU) - Sprained Finger (day-to-day) - Injured 03/30; Recovery 0%; Duration 6 days; Tracking On Target

[Cartar]

Sad to see McGrady down, but you still managed to win. Only like 13 games til playoffs, I think you still have a good shot at championship. Hopefully McGrady gets back on track before the PO. One question, for like final 3 games, are you gonna play more your young bench players? I would like to see more minutes for May and Webster, at least for these games.

[John McClane]

Good to see you back with your dynasty, Clutch. Your dynasty RUUULEZ!!!

[Clutch]

ratrac - TMAC's still playable so he should be alright come Playoffs; and yeah I'll definitely get the bench more involved for the final weeks once all the seedings are pretty much set

mcClane - "back?" sorry man but i've never seen/heard you before til now lol; hey but thx for chiming in, DieHard RUULEZZZ!! and yippe kiyay mutha f...

[Clutch]

No Sun Burn For Yao

PHOENIX April 1, 2008 (AP) -- The Phoenix Suns struggled to contain Yao Ming and the Houston Rockets in a 95-92 defeat at home in what could be a 1st-round matchup preview for the coming Playoffs.

Yao seemed fully recovered from his broken nose injury, dominating offensively in the paint, denying shots inside with emphatic blocks and controlling the glass with equal offensive and defensive rebounds. By the end of the night, Yao would collect 26 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists but his biggest contribution came during crunch time.

In the closing seconds, with the Rockets holding a narrow 93-92 lead, Yao would crash the glass on Tracy McGrady's missed jumper, snaring the offensive rebound and getting fouled with 3.7 seconds remaining. His two clutch free throws would ice the win as Shawn Marion's desperation trey would fall short.

Marion would have a monster game for the Suns, finishing with 32 points and 16 rebounds and had a few words after the contest, "Yao was great tonight and had Amare in foul trouble early. But what hurt us most is we had no answer for (Deron) Williams; he killed us all night."

Deron Williams had arguably his best performance in a Rockets jersey thus far, penetrating the Phoenix defense and finding his teammates consistently all night. "We new Tracy was struggling with his sprained finger so everyone else stepped up," said Williams. "I told the guys if they were open, I would find them and we were knocking down our shots." Williams finished with 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 12 assists.

The Rockets have a few days to recoup before they travel to the windy city to take on Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon and the Chicago Bulls.



INJURY STATUS
McGRADY, TRACY (HOU) - Sprained Finger (day-to-day) - Injured 03/30; Recovery 35%; Duration 6 days; Tracking On Target

[Skills]

Still standing strong! Nice win against Phoenix. Can't wait to see more recaps!

[homicide1550]

Great win! Shawn Marion exploded for the Suns but you still managed to get the win! Hopefully Tmac can heal up quickly..

[Jemesouviens]

Two road wins with a banged up starting lineup against elite teams! Can't ask for more

Although... it's been a while since TMac had a Player of the Game night.
sigh.

Anyway, keep it up Clutch!

[Chaser7]

nice win over phoenix. Yao and Marion were monsters. Good thing Yao got that rebound though good luck against the bulls!

[Clutch]

skillz, homi, chaser - thx guys! recap on the way;
JMS - yah TMAC's really annoying me lately being such a big baby; boo hoo i hurt my wittle finger just like in real life i guess lol

[Clutch]

Rockets Rollin', 3rd Straight

CHICAGO (AP) April 4, 2008 -- The Chicago Bulls found themselves on the receiving end of a stampede as the Houston Rockets roared out of the blocks early then cruised to a 95-92 road victory at the United Center.

Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady led the way for Houston combining for 44 of the team's 95 points, setting the tone early during a 26-17 1st-quarter explosion which had the Bulls back on their heels and playing catch-up the remainder of the night.

Chicago did show it's mettle, however, as they methodically battled back from the deficit led by their own scoring duo of Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich in a backcourt attack which combined for 45 points and 8 assists between the two. Center, Ben Wallace, threw in a solid double-double night with 14 points and 12 rebounds but the trio's efforts would fall just short as the game clock expired.

Houston will have little time to relish the victory as they attempt to go undefeated in their 4 game road trip which ends tomorrow night in Los Angeles versus the Clippers, featuring Elton Brand plus former Rockets, Luke Ridnour, and rookie sensation, Jafari Cotton.

[bee-boy]

cool dynasty sir

[Oskar]

Nice win there ! Yao was a pretty monster on the offensive end, 10. Anyways, keep it up !

[Jemesouviens]

Cool snapshot of Yao and nice win!

TMAC's really annoying me lately being such a big baby; boo hoo i hurt my wittle finger just like in real life i guess lol

(gasp) no you didn't!

[Clutch]

kobe16/oskar - thx guys; appreciate the comments
JMS - thx and Oh YES I DID and will continue until/unless TMac gets his groove back btw, the Canadiens will have to wait for a while; too busy currently - j'en suis desole!

[Clutch]

'The Cat' Ends Win Streak

LOS ANGELES April 5, 2008 (AP) -- Savvy 9-year pro guard, Cuttino Mobley, spearheaded the charge for the Los Angeles Clippers in a 108-102 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets.

Living up to his nickname, "the Cat," Mobley gracefully wove his way through the Rockets' defense time and time again, often finishing with agile 'and-1' baskets and forcing several Rocket defenders into foul trouble. Mobley shot 61% from the field and led all scorers finishing with 30 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. In LA's previous meeting with Houston, Mobley also dropped 30 points which led to a Clippers victory.

"I dunno, I guess I just get up for playin' against these guys," said Mobley after the win. "I know when I keep moving and stay active, they have a hard time hangin' with me so I just go right at them."

Tracy McGrady would try, but his 26 points and 5 rebounds would take a back seat to the Mobley showcase. After the game, when asked if Mobley and the Clippers have the Rockets' number, McGrady smirked and replied, "Our number? What's their record, like 21, 22 wins? They need to actually make the Playoffs before we start worrying."

As it stands the Clippers are currently lotto-bound with a record of 23-48, the second worst record out West.

Former Rockets, Luke Ridnour and rookie, Jafari Cotton, had decent performances with 11 points, 5 assists and 16 points, 5 boards respectively.

The Rockets return home and have a few days to rest before they host Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and a Vince Carter-less New Jersey Nets team. Carter is out for a minimum of 3 weeks and his return status is questionable should the Nets make the Playoffs.

[Chabalaba]

wow mobley 30 pts
Nets up next ..that should be simple

[Clutch]

chaba - every Cat has it's day i guess thx for chiming in